The Fidal president puts an end to the controversy: “We will go back to working together, Marcell will be put in the best position to win”
Rome woke up yesterday to freezing temperatures. But not him. When we meet him in his FIDAL office in the morning, Stefano Mei is cheerful and radiant. “I’ve just had a wonderful day.” He is referring not so much to the closure of the proceedings brought against him by Pietro Mennea’s widow (“Everything has been settled”) as to the renewed harmony with Marcell Jacobs.
President, what happened?
“We spoke on Wednesday evening and there was an important clarification. I am delighted. We will be able to work together again in a coordinated manner, doing everything possible to put Marcell in a position to achieve the results he deserves. I believe he understood my absolute good faith. Obviously, there are choices to be made, but these are choices that can be influenced if there is a way to talk. In his case, there was a misunderstanding, partly due to his impactful decision to train in America. We had communication difficulties; after all, he is on the other side of the ocean, so everything is more complex. Now we are starting again, with a different spirit.“
Tell us the truth, how did you feel when you read Jacobs’ bitter words about the downgrading decided by the Federation?
”Obviously, I was a little disappointed, also because, perhaps due to the distance and the time difference, we were not even able to discuss a possible alternative solution. Let’s remember that, fortunately, the number of elite Italian athletes is increasing, while the money we receive is more or less the same. The blanket is what it is, I have to manage everyone and I try to do so as fairly as possible. On the sponsorship front, I have increased revenue from €400,000 in cash in 2021 to €3 million today. What more can I do? Consider that since I arrived, I have also wanted a thorough spending review of everything that was not dedicated to the preparation of our Italian athletes: I knew that, even from a political point of view, I was risking a lot at the Tokyo Games. I’m not saying that those five gold medals are thanks to me because you can’t change the system in a few months, but I immediately made it clear to the guys that they could count on us. It’s no coincidence that the results continue to come in.
Going back to Jacobs, no hard feelings?
“Absolutely not, the disappointment I mentioned lasted only a moment. I’m not the type to hold a grudge against athletes. I was an athlete myself, and I know exactly how it feels to be let down, when things don’t go your way despite all the sacrifices you make. Marcell has had a difficult year, so it’s understandable that he’s a little angry, and I have no problem with him letting off steam. Now we’ll try to give him all the help we can, even though the situation isn’t easy, given that his coach’s position isn’t completely clear.”
In his case, there was a misunderstanding due in part to his impactful decision to train in America. We had communication difficulties.
Stefano Mei
How did you feel about that?
“As soon as he returns to Italy from the United States, we will meet and decide together how we can support him. One thing must be clear: if Jacobs was not included among the elite athletes, it is not because we wanted him to stop, perhaps to save money. I know this may seem like an unnecessary clarification, but I hear all sorts of things, so it’s better to be transparent. I believe in Marcell, he is a precious resource for us and we will stand by him as much as and more than before.”
So, the focus is on Los Angeles 2028.
“I’m glad he has made a long-term plan, but if I were him, I would try to win the European Championships again first. Obviously, it’s not the Olympics, but it’s still another prestigious achievement for his medal collection, which, let’s not forget, isn’t just made up of two Olympic golds: Marcell has won a World Championship and a European Indoor Championship, two European Championships, and a World Championship silver in the 4×100, and he did it even when he wasn’t feeling well. In Paris, he ran 9.85 seconds at the age of 29. He is a great athlete, and I agree with him when he says that he is not worth 10.20 seconds; he proved himself in the relay. If he settles between 9.80 and 9.90 seconds, he can still have his say in Los Angeles. I repeat, I believe in him just as I believe in Tamberi. It’s very difficult for both of them to win a medal, but if they put their minds to it, I’m sure they can do great things. And anyway, if we’re talking about Jacobs and the Olympics, I’d like to say one more thing.”
I believe in him just as I believe in Tamberi. It’s very difficult for both of them to win a medal, but if they put their minds to it…
Stefano Mei
You’re welcome.
“On August 1, 2021, in Tokyo, I experienced the most beautiful moment of my life, after the birth of my children. I recently saw photos and videos of the celebrations, I was truly Alice in Wonderland! I couldn’t believe it, as I think no Italian could, I can’t help but be grateful to a person, a great athlete, capable of giving me such joy. He is one of the great legends of Italian athletics, indeed of all sport. I will never forget him.”
Listening to you, one often gets the impression that you believe athletics and FIDAL do not receive the recognition they deserve?
“I do think that sometimes. I have been involved in athletics for fifty years and I have never seen such malice. From the first day we took office, there have been attacks, even in the face of unprecedented results. They managed to complain about the three medals in Paris, despite the five fourth places and 17 finalists. They take it out on the kids, who really don’t deserve it. We also won two European Cups… Who am I angry with? With a certain press, fortunately a minority, and with those who were leaders in the past and continue to defend a system that has failed.”
There is also the issue of membership.
“Some say there aren’t that many, but we can’t chase after the millions of enthusiasts who run in public parks… Other disciplines have it easier in this respect; if you need to register to access a private space, it’s easier. And I don’t even make people register three times if they want to run, high jump, and long jump. Other federations also take advantage of these, let’s say, opportunities. There’s another thing I want to say, which in a way concerns a person I’m very close to: I’m really perplexed by the fact that the Stadio dei Marmi Pietro Mennea is now practically destined for tennis. We are talking about a facility dedicated to the greatest star of Italian athletics, and I don’t understand why we are going in that direction. But today I don’t want any bitterness; it’s better to think about the many positive things in this new year. Starting with the future together with Marcell Jacobs.”
